One of Walla Walla’s historic wineries, Walla Walla Vintners are owned by Scott and Nici Haladay, were first introduced to Walla Walla Vintners in 2017. Already familiar with the historic winery, they are the new owners of this house and their Cut Bank Estate vineyard. Scott comes from a technology background and Nici is a licensed nurse. I can’t wait to see their new winery space which has been recently completed.
Winemaker Derrek Vipond is a is a native Washingtonian who started his career at Walla Walla Community College in the Enology and Viticulture program. After completing his education with a degree from Oregon State University in Fermentation Science, Derrek worked several harvests across the globe before eventually moving back to Walla Walla and joining Walla Walla Vintners in January 2019. Derrek learned a great deal from eminent winemaker Gilles Nicault.The wines he make are excellent as the quality of this house continues to build.
I loved the last set of his wines and the new wines are brilliant. Don’t miss the 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which has to be one of the finest wines ever produced by this house. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners.
2024 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2024 ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc delivers serious texture and weight, loaded with kiwi, gooseberry and melon fruits, with plenty of stony minerals. Medium-bodied and fresh, enjoy now and over the next few years to come. Drink 2025-2030- 91
2024 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc delivers walnut and mango tones on the nose alongside peaches and white grapefruit blossom. Sturdy and well-structured, with a core of citrus and melon fruits, this is drinking brilliantly right now. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Bello Rosso’ Red Wine- Coming from the acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard, the 2022 ‘Bello Rosso’ is near equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tobacco and black cherry combine with salty minerals and refined tannins on the palate. Very herbal and complex, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Alera’ is mainly Melrot (70%), offering green herbs and chocolate on the nose alongside suggestions of dark currant compote. The palate is plush and loaded with red and dark fruits, with chocolate and espresso bean accents alongside a wintergreen edge. Very complex and delightful in its heady youth, enjoy over the next decade or more. Drink 2025-2038- 94
2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A brilliant edition of this wine, the 2022 ‘Old Vines’ was sourced from the Bacchus Vineyard which was planted back in 1972. Inky in the glass, this offers beautiful flavor density and complexity. Milk chocolate and pipe tobacco mingle well with fresh sage, and salty soils. This is absolutely fantastic stuff that will cellar well for decades. Drink 2025-2040- 95